Controller

Job Description

Job Description

About ClearGov

ClearGov is building the modern financial operating layer for the public sector.

We help US local governments and school districts plan, budget, report, and communicate their finances with clarity and confidence. From long-term planning to financial reporting, compliance, and transparency, our platform connects the work finance teams are already doing and makes it easier to deliver for their communities.

Today, more than 2,000 public sector organizations use ClearGov, and we continue to expand our platform and reach as we grow. Our Core Values

• Be Clear & Credible 
  • We are authentic in our interactions, communicating with clarity, speaking with honesty, and following through with consistency. We turn transparency into our greatest competitive advantage. 
• Be Human 
  • We are human partners to our colleagues and customers and lead with consideration and kindness - making space for others to do the same. We turn empathy into a shared strength.
• Be Better Together 
  • We are committed to building an inclusive community where everyone thrives. We share successes, support each other through challenges, and show up for our teammates the way we show up for our customers. We turn togetherness into our greatest advantage and collaboration into our greatest multiplier.
• Be Honourable/Honorable  
  • We are responsible to our colleagues and customers. We bring our full selves to every conversation, every project, every decision, and every relationship. We act with intention, deliver on our commitments, and lead with integrity - even when no one is watching. We turn honour into the foundation that powers everything we do.
• Be Connected
  • We are culture builders where people are seen, welcomed, and celebrated. We show up in every interaction - the laughs, the wins, the hard days. We turn connection into opportunities for people to feel they belong.

What Makes You a Great Fit

• You take ownership and follow through
• You communicate clearly and effectively
• You're comfortable solving problems and figuring things out
• You learn quickly and adapt as things change
• You care about the team, not just your own work
• You bring a sense of humor and perspective to what you do

About the Opportunity

ClearGov is looking for a strong, hands-on Controller to lead the Company's accounting organization and build a scalable, high-quality finance function.

Reporting to the CFO, the Controller will be responsible for the integrity and accuracy of the Company's financial reporting, strengthening the monthly close process, leading the annual audit and tax processes, establishing and maintaining effective internal controls, and developing a high-performing accounting team.

This role is ideal for an experienced accounting leader who is comfortable operating both strategically and hands-on. The right person will be able to step into the details when needed, identify gaps, establish strong processes and controls, and build the accounting infrastructure required to support a growing SaaS business.

Key Responsibilities: Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Lead all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, fixed assets, accruals, prepaid expenses, intercompany accounting, and revenue recognition.
• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process and continuously improve the speed, accuracy, and discipline of the close.
• Prepare and review accurate financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Ensure balance sheet accounts are properly reconciled, supported, and reviewed.
• Establish and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and documentation.
• Research and document technical accounting matters and ensure appropriate application of U.S. GAAP.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the Company's financial results and be able to explain key movements, risks, and accounting judgments.

Audit, Tax & Compliance

• Lead the annual financial statement audit and serve as the primary day-to-day contact for external auditors.
• Own audit readiness, including PBC coordination, supporting schedules, technical accounting memos, financial statements, and footnote disclosures.
• Partner with external tax advisors and oversee federal, state, local, and international tax compliance.
• Ensure timely completion of tax filings, information requests, and other regulatory requirements.
• Proactively identify accounting, tax, and compliance risks and drive issues to resolution.

Internal Controls & Financial Governance

• Design, implement, and maintain a strong internal control environment.
• Establish appropriate review, approval, and segregation-of-duties processes across accounting and financial operations.
• Develop controls around cash, payments, purchasing, vendor management, revenue, payroll, and other key financial processes.
• Identify control gaps and process weaknesses and drive practical solutions.
• Build scalable policies and procedures that improve accountability without creating unnecessary bureaucracy.

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team.
• Assess team structure, capabilities, and resource needs and build a strong accounting organization.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, performance expectations, and accountability.
• Create a culture focused on accuracy, ownership, responsiveness, and continuous improvement.
• Effectively manage and collaborate with team members across multiple locations and international teams.
• Build strong relationships across Finance and with leaders throughout the organization.

Systems & Process Improvement

• • Evaluate current accounting processes and identify opportunities for simplification, automation, and improved controls.
  • Partner with the CFO and other leaders on financial systems strategy and optimization.
  • Support ERP and financial systems implementations, integrations, and process improvements.
  • Reduce manual processes and improve the reliability, scalability, and efficiency of the accounting function.
  • Ensure accounting systems, processes, and data support accurate and timely reporting.

Critical Skills/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CPA strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including meaningful leadership experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, or similar role.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. GAAP and strong technical accounting capabilities.
• Demonstrated experience leading external financial statement audits.
• Experience overseeing corporate tax compliance and working with external tax advisors.
• Strong understanding of internal controls and experience designing and improving control environments.
• Experience managing and developing accounting teams, including distributed or international teams.
• Experience in SaaS, software, technology, or another high-growth environment strongly preferred.
• Experience with multi-entity accounting and consolidations preferred.
• Strong ERP and financial systems experience.
• Advanced Excel and financial reporting skills.
• A hands-on accounting leader who is willing to get into the details when necessary.
• Strong judgment and the ability to distinguish between what is urgent, what is important, and what can wait.
• High standards for accuracy, documentation, controls, and follow-through.
• A builder who can assess what exists today and create stronger, more scalable processes.
• Someone who takes ownership of problems and drives them through resolution.
• Strong communicator who can work effectively with executives, auditors, advisors, and cross-functional teams.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-moving environment with competing priorities.
• Practical and solutions-oriented — able to strengthen controls and processes without over-engineering them.
• High integrity, strong accountability, and a collaborative leadership style.

Compensation:

• In the spirit of transparency, we are excited to share the base salary for this position is $160,000 - $200,000 USD and exclusive of fringe benefits or potential bonuses. If you are hired at ClearGov, your final base salary compensation will be determined by factors such as skills, interview performance, education and/or experience. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer. Please keep in mind that the range mentioned above is the full base salary for the role. Hiring beyond the base range would not be typical in order to allow for future & continued salary growth. We also offer a generous compensation and benefits package (more information on benefits listed below).

Why Join ClearGov

• Remote and flexible work environment
• Meaningful work that impacts communities across the United States
• Collaborative, high-performing team
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Opportunities to grow as we scale 

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision insurance
• FSA, HSA, and/or Dependent Care FSA (US)
• Life + AD&D insurance, plus short-term and long-term disability insurance (US)
• Life + disability insurance (Canada)
• 401(k) (US) / RRSP (Canada) with 3.5% match
• 10 company holidays
• 3 wellness days
• Paid vacation time off
• Sick and safe time off
• Paid parental leave
• Paid bereavement leave
• Paid jury duty + civic service leave
• Employee assistance program
• 2 summer days + annual end-of-year "Dimming of the Lights"
• Employee referral bonus program

How to Apply
Ready to join us? Apply online today! 

Equal Opportunity Employer
ClearGov is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or any other protected characteristic. Hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs.